January Organization "A Clean Sweep"

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Quilt Housekeeping

                                                  A New Year - A Clean Sweep 

                                                               


The Sewing Table

Quilt Housekeeping is not limited to keeping things clean and put away. Quilt Housekeeping also involves examining the manner in which our individual and unique creative thinking process works best. Too much organization in our sewing space has the ability to stifle the thought process or excite us to start with a “clean slate.”                                                                                                         A little chaos in the sewing area may suit you better. No guilty feelings when the fat-quarters aren’t folded and stacked perfectly - you have better things to do! Think about this because it reflects your personal quilt space comfort zone.

 

Concentrate on the big stuff first which is where you actually sew. Ignore the unmatched fabric containers for now and the fabric scraps which have piled up. If we are not comfortable at our sewing table and sitting in our chair, perfectly matched boxes are not going to help you stitch better. Which is why for January we are concentrating on the Sewing Table.

 

You move your body differently than anybody else. This is important to remember because it directly reflects Quilt Housekeeping. Are you the type that enjoys having the iron right next to the sewing table and can just rotate the chair to pick up the iron? Maybe you hate sitting for any length of time and need to get up from the chair and walk to the ironing station.

Efficiency your way. Quilt Housekeeping is a waste of time if the main items are not set properly to compliment how you move. The same can be said about the sewing machine placed in the center with the iron placed on one side of you and the cutting board on the other. While some thrive sewing in this work zone, this cubical set-up may make you feel boxed in and claustrophobic.

 

We do not want nor need wrinkles due to eye strain! The placement of the sewing table needs to be in a light-infused place. Where is light in relation to your sewing table? Natural light helps a great deal and supplemental lighting helps tremendously. Overhead lighting can cast shadows if the table is not placed properly to reduce shadows. Blinds and curtains help to diffuse natural light when the sun is strong. So here you go. Housekeeping involves blinds and curtains!

 

Everything is Plugged In. There is no way to avoid this. A sewing machine must be plugged in to operate. Some sewing tables are plugged in for the capability of being raised and lowered. The iron is plugged in. The surge protector is plugged into the UPS System. A night light is plugged in and sometimes an air freshener, too. Supplemental lights are plugged in and the TV, radio, computer and various phone chargers. This is a lot of wire. Look at your sewing table space. How far is it from an electrical outlet (or two). Nothing is worse than everything plugged into one outlet. Keep wires as far away from your feet and hands as you possibly can. Let’s prevent tripping. Look to see if the UPS system can be be placed near a separate outlet from the table plug and lighting. These systems are crucial for unforeseen power outages in storms or an unforeseen power surge from electrical lines. Protect your machine as much as possible from being zapped, especially if it is a computerized model. The sewing machine needs to be plugged into this for ultimate protection. For those who enjoy the iron to set next to the sewing table, look for a different outlet away from where you are sitting. Nothing is worse than swinging the chair around and the iron (hot or cold) getting caught in the chair rollers or chair arms. Accidents do happen. Housekeeping involves accident prevention. An easy way to avoid extra wire is by keeping the computers and phones charged

in a completely different area or by using a battery pack. Wireless irons have been in use for years. The extra benefit to these is that the heating element can be plugged into a completely different outlet and the wire does not run across the ironing board catching what was just ironed.

 

Items that need to be within arm’s reach - Your Essential Notions Housekeeping involves keeping well-used items in a practical arm-reaching space near the sewing machine.

Eliminate all other items that just sit there for “convenience.” Use one great ruler with 1/8” increments. There may be space to hang the cutting rulers on a wall. Extra cutting mats are good for hanging, too. Whatever is your favorite marking tool, place it nearby. The 1/4” sewing foot and the basic utility foot should be near, as well as the walking foot. All others can be placed in a different area. Those bobbins which fit your old machine can be placed with your old machine. Place the proper bobbins for the machine which you are using nearby. Only keep the proper-sized needle case near the machine. Place all other needles away.

 

Attempt to clear out this area with a critical eye and not a sentimental eye. There are some items which become collectables like scissors or thimbles. Choose one or two that really work well and fit your hand properly. Remove the others into a different space or a top shelf for display. Pins should be separated into craft/utility, garment, and quilting. Store nearby and pull the ones that are necessary for the job at hand. If you are a note taker, a good notebook and writing implement may be beneficial for you to have near. Don’t share eyeglasses. Keep your sewing readers near the machine and keep the kitchen readers in the kitchen.

 

Quilt Housekeeping has just started for 2025. Next month will be about the sewing chair. I would love to have feedback about how you are progressing on your Quilt Housekeeping and tips to help us all keep the joy in our quilting. Contact me at debslechta@mac.com with Quilt Housekeeping as the subject line.

January 2025

Deb Slechta

UQG President

 

 


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